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Behold Hountondji, the Calm Leader Behind Benin’s Fearless 2026 World Cup Charge

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Benin’s long footballing dream is on the verge of becoming reality — and at the heart of this historic moment stands a 23-year-old striker, Andreas Hountondji, whose leadership, goals, and quiet determination have inspired the Cheetahs’ remarkable 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying run.

Once seen as perennial underdogs, the Beninese national team now sit atop Group C ahead of heavyweights Nigeria and South Africa, with two crucial matches left to determine their fate. For a country that has never reached football’s biggest stage, the stakes have never been higher.

“I honestly can’t wait,” Hountondji said with a broad grin. “I don’t know if it’s fully dawned on me yet how close we are to actually qualifying.”

A Nation Dares to Dream

The Cheetahs’ resurgence has been built on grit and belief. Their 2–1 victory over Rwanda propelled them to the summit of the group and set up a potentially decisive clash with Nigeria in Uyo. The team’s standing was also boosted by a FIFA ruling that penalised South Africa for fielding an ineligible player — but Hountondji insists Benin’s progress is no fluke.

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“We’ve earned our position,” he said. “We have two matches left, and if we win them, there’s a good chance we’ll qualify directly. Our destiny is in our own hands.”

From Europe’s Pitches to Benin’s Pride

Born in France, Hountondji represents a new wave of African stars reconnecting with their heritage. After emerging from Caen’s academy and enjoying a spell at Burnley, he now plays in the German Bundesliga with St. Pauli, where his pace and composure in front of goal have caught attention.

“Playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues is a big step for me,” he said. “But representing Benin means so much more. It’s a huge responsibility, and I wanted to make sure I was ready for it.”

Since debuting for Benin in 2023 under German coach Gernot Rohr, Hountondji has become indispensable — scoring three goals in eight qualifiers and helping the Cheetahs secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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A New Generation Rising

Benin’s success, Hountondji believes, is rooted in unity and a collective hunger to rewrite history.

“I have so much love for this group,” he said. “Just being in this position is amazing. We’re pumped, hungry, and capable of achieving something incredible. Anything is possible.”

That sentiment has swept through Cotonou and Parakou, where fans gather at viewing centres, daring to dream of hearing Benin’s national anthem played at a World Cup for the first time.

“For any player, lining up at the World Cup is the ultimate dream,” Hountondji added. “When we come together and realise how close we are, it gives us even more motivation to cross the line.”

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A Dream Within Reach

As Benin prepare for their decisive fixtures against Rwanda and Nigeria, the calm yet driven Hountondji embodies a nation’s hope — a symbol of how far belief can take a small footballing nation.

Should the Cheetahs defy the odds and reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Andreas Hountondji’s name will forever be etched in Benin’s sporting history — as the man who helped a quiet football nation find its roar.

Adapted from CAFonline

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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World Cup

Benin Arrive Uyo for Decisive World Cup Qualifier Clash Against Nigeria

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The Cheetahs of Benin have arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying showdown against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The Beninese delegation, led by their football federation officials and technical crew, landed in Nigeria on Saturday, October 11, aboard a special flight chartered by the Benin government. The journey from Cotonou lasted nearly four hours, underscoring the importance the West African nation attaches to this fixture.

Buoyed by their 2–1 victory over Rwanda, the Cheetahs currently sit atop Group C and are on the brink of making history with what could be their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup. The team wasted no time settling into Uyo, immediately turning their attention to Tuesday’s decisive encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

According to officials, the team will hold its first training session on Sunday, October 12, at 10 a.m. on the annex pitch of the Uyo Stadium. The session will help the players recover from the physically demanding game against Rwanda and adjust to the Nigerian conditions ahead of the high-stakes encounter.

The match, billed for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, is shaping up to be a winner-takes-all battle. For Benin, a win or even a draw could confirm their place in the 2026 World Cup finals — an unprecedented milestone in their football history.

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Meanwhile, hosts Nigeria, who are chasing a return to the global stage after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar, are under pressure to reclaim lost ground and keep their qualification hopes alive.

With both teams aware of the magnitude of the occasion, all eyes will be on Uyo as the 10th day of the World Cup qualifiers delivers one of Africa’s most decisive fixtures.

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Super Eagles Stranded in Angola After Aircraft Suffers Cracked Windscreen

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The Super Eagles’ return to Nigeria has been unexpectedly delayed after a chartered ValueJet aircraft conveying the team from Polokwane, South Africa, to Uyo suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air on Saturday.

According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the incident occurred shortly after the plane took off from Luanda, Angola, where it had made a routine refueling stop. The pilot was said to have skillfully guided the aircraft back to the Luanda airport, ensuring the safety of all passengers on board.

The same aircraft had transported part of the Nigerian delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night ahead of Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

It was also the same plane that handled the team’s previous trips to and from Bloemfontein for last month’s clash with Bafana Bafana.

As a result of the mid-air incident, the players and officials remain stranded in Angola while efforts are being made to arrange an alternative aircraft.

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“The ValueJet Airline and relevant Federal Government authorities — including the Minister of Aviation, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President — are working tirelessly to secure the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos to Luanda and convey the delegation to Uyo,” the NFF said in its statement.

The delay has disrupted the team’s travel plans ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic scheduled for Tuesday in Uyo.

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Akor Adams Becomes Nigeria’s 61st Scoring Debutant

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA

Nigeria’s striking options received a fresh boost on Friday as Sevilla forward Akor Jerome Adams marked his senior international debut with a goal, becoming the 61st player to score on his first appearance for Nigeria national team since the country’s debut on 8 October 1949.

Adams, who replaced Tolu Arokodare in the 63rd minute of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, made an instant impact when he found the net in the 80th minute, calmly slotting home after connecting with a precise pass from Victor Osimhen.

The goal capped a memorable night for the 24-year-old La Liga player, who has steadily risen through the football ranks from Nigeria’s grassroots to Europe’s top flight.

Akor Adams was part of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles squad at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland, showcasing the promise that has now blossomed on the senior stage.

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He began his professional journey with Jamba Football Academy in Nigeria before securing a move to Norwegian club Lillestrøm in December 2021.

His prolific form there earned him a transfer to Montpellier in France two years later, and earlier this year, he sealed a switch to Sevilla in Spain’s La Liga.

With his goal-scoring debut, Adams joins an illustrious list of Nigerian footballers who have announced themselves on the international stage in style—rekindling optimism about the Super Eagles’ attacking depth as the World Cup qualifiers reach a decisive phase.

NIGERIA’S SCORING DEBUTANTS SINCE 1949

 PlayerMatchDateVenue Country
1Balogun TesilimiSierra Leone 0-2 NigeriaOctober 8, 1949Freetown Sierra Leone
2Okoh Friday – 2 goalsNigeria 5-0 Gold Coast (Ghana)  October 20, 1951Lagos Nigeria
3Asoluka CyrilNigeria 5-0 Gold Coast (Ghana)  October 20, 1951Lagos Nigeria
4Anieke PeterNigeria 5-0 Gold Coast (Ghana)October 20, 1951Lagos Nigeria
5Okere TitusNigeria 5-0 Gold Coast (Ghana)October 20, 1951Lagos Nigeria
6.Okwudili DanielNigeria 3-0 Gold CoastOctober 27, 1956Lagos Nigeria
7Longe JuliusNigeria 3-0 Gold CoastOctober 27, 1956Lagos Nigeria
8Ejor HubertNigeria 3-0 Gold CoastOctober 27, 1956Lagos Nigeria
9.Noquapor Patrick 2 goalsGhana 3-3 NigeriaOctober 27, 1957Accra Ghana
10.Ijeoma PatrickGhana 3-3 NigeriaOctober 27, 1957Accra Ghana
11Buraimoh Abudu – 2 GoalsNigeria 3-2 GhanaOctober 25, 1958Lagos Nigeria
12Onyali ElkanaNigeria 3-1 GhanaOctober 10, 1959Lagos Nigeria 
13.Ohiri ChristopherNigeria 3-1 GhanaOctober 10, 1959Lagos Nigeria 
14.Chukwumah Egwuonu  Tunisia 2-2 NigeriaDecember 10, 1961Tunis Tunisia 
15Egbuonu JohnnyCameroon 1-2 NigeriaJanuary 1 1963Yaoundé Cameroon 
16Uduemezie ChrisCameroon 1-2 NigeriaJanuary 1 1963Yaoundé Cameroon 
17Olatunji LasisiNigeria 2-2 GuineaJuly 27, 1963Lagos Nigeria 
18Anieke SundayGabon 2-2 NigeriaAugust 28, 1965LibrevilleGabon  
19.Mordi BoboGabon 2-2 NigeriaAugust 28, 1965Libreville Gabon 
20.Olowo-Oshodi SamsideenNigeria 3-2 Congo DRNovember 5, 1966LagosNigeria  
21Aghoghovbia JoeNigeria 1-1 CameroonDecember 7, 1968Lagos Nigeria 
22Obianika Mathias – 2 Goals  Nigeria 4-0 Upper Volta (Burkina Fasso)November 27, 1971Lagos Nigeria 
23Oyarekhua SunnyNigeria 4-0 Upper Volta (Burkina Fasso)November 27, 1971Lagos Nigeria 
24Popoola BenNigeria 2-0 Cote d’IvoireJuly 18, 1974Lagos Nigeria
25.Ibeabuchi OgidiGhana 1-2 NigeriaAugust 21, 1974Accra Ghana
26.Usiyen Thompson  Kenya 1-1 NigeriaFebruary 7, 1976NairobiKenya 
27.Godwin Iwelumo  Nigeria 7-0 BeninFebruary 14, 1977Lagos Nigeria
28.Onwuachi Martins  Benin 1-1 NigeriaOctober 14, 1978Cotonou Benin
29.Boateng LeotisNigeria 2-0 TunisiaJuly 12, 1980LagosNigeria 
30.Emmanuel Osigwe  Nigeria 2-0 TunisiaJuly 12, 1980Lagos Nigeria
31.Nwokocha Chris v  Tanzania 0-2 NigeriaDecember 20, 1980Dar-es-Salam Tanzania
32Ali Bala  Nigeria 1-0 Upper Volta (Burkina Faso)July 18, 1981Lagos Nigeria
33Adeshina Ademola  Ethiopia 0-3 NigeriaMarch 7, 1982Benghazi Libya
34Omughele John v. Ghana  Ghana 1-2 NigeriaOctober 30, 1983Accra Ghana
35Sadi DahiruNigeria 3-1 KenyaApril 20, 1985Lagos Nigeria
36.Balaraba AbubakarGuinea 1-1NigeriaApril 9, 1989Conakry Guinea
37Adekola Adeolu v.    Nigeria 3-0 GuineaApril 22, 1989Ibadan Nigeria
38Oyekanmi Taju  Nigeria 2-0 Cote d’IvoireJanuary 25, 1990Kaduna Nigeria
39Okechukwu Uche  Nigeria 2-0 Cote d’IvoireJanuary 25, 1990Kaduna Nigeria
40Lawal Dimeji  Nigeria 3-0 TogoAugust 18, 1990Lagos Nigeria
41Finidi GeorgeNigeria 7-1 Burkina FasoFaso July 27, 1991Lagos   Nigeria
42.Taiwo Wasiu  USA 3-2 NigeriaJune 11, 1995Boston USA
43.Fatusi TesilimiCzech 2-1 NigeriaDec, 11, 1996  Casablanca Morocco
44.Zeigbo KennethCameroon 0-1 NigeriaAugust 7, 1997  Tunis Tunisia
45Garba AhmedIran 0-1 NigeriaJanuary 28, 1998Hong Kong Hong Kong, China
46.Aghahowa, JuliusNigeria 2-0 MoroccoFebruary 3, 2000Lagos Nigeria
47.Ishola Shuaibu  Nigeria 3-2 MalawiJune 4, 2000Kano Nigeria
48.Agali VictorNigeria 1-0 Zambia  January 13, 2001  Lagos Nigeria
49.Opabunmi Femi  Nigeria 3-0 KenyaMay 4, 2002Lagos Nigeria
50Ogochukwu IleagwuSenegal 2-2 NigeriaOctober 12, 2002  Dakar Senegal
51.Ogechukwu UcheGhana 0-1 NigeriaDecember 15, 2002  Accra Ghana
52.Akwueme EmekaNigeria 2-0 JordanApril 28, 2004  Lagos Nigeria
53.Martins Obafemi  Ireland 0-3 NigeriaMay 29, 2004London Britain
54Makinwa Ayodele  South Africa 2-1 NigeriaNov. 17, 2004Johannesburg South Africa
55Akabueze Chukwuma v. KenyaKenya 0-1 NigeriaMay 27, 2007  Nairobi Kenya
56.Peter Utaka v. Congo DR  Nigeria 5-2 DR CongoMarch 3, 2010Abuja Nigeria
57Osas Idehen  Nigeria 5-2 DR CongoMarch 3, 2010Abuja Nigeria
58Ehiosun Ekigho v. Sierra LeoneNigeria 2-1 Sierra LeoneFebruary 9, 2011  Lagos Nigeria
59.Bryan Idowu.  Argentina 2-4 NigeriaNovember 14, 2017Krasnodar Russia
60Joseph Aribo  v. Ukraine  Ukraine 2-2 NigeriaSeptember 10, 2019DniproUkraine 
61Akor Jerome AdamsLesotho 1-2 NigeriaOctober 10, 2025Polokwane South Africa

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